Program levels

The EducateVA program consists of two levels. Level I is comprised of online and face-to-face instruction. Level II is the post-coursework experience. After Level I, as a completer seeks employment and during their first year of teaching, EducateVA partners with students to guide and advise them, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive as a new teacher. Additional instructional support is also offered through Level II modules and Saturday seminars.

Beginning Level I

Level I

The program consists of approximately 240-hours of instruction delivered within a 17/18-week format for professional studies training. Instruction is delivered online via Canvas and will focus on the seven (7) modules.

Level I also requires seven (7) scheduled instructor-led sessions, which are held on Saturdays. Sites across the Commonwealth are linked for live instruction, which provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with their peers.

Field Placements/Classroom Observations

Students will be required to participate in a 40-hour field placement during Level I. This field placement is designed to allow students to become as involved as possible in the day-to-day activities in the school. This portion of the training will occur during a single week during the semester and is arranged by the EducateVA staff. Participants may need to arrange for leave time from jobs, in order to complete this requirement.

Getting Started

If you are just getting started, consider attending one of our monthly webinars. Sign up on the Information Sessions page.

• Completing the required testing, collecting transcripts and obtaining the necessary evidence of employment are key steps to applying. Check out the Application Process page for details.
• Plan for the semester by reviewing deadlines for applications, tuition payments and the dates of the mandatory class sessions on the Program Schedule page.

Beginning Level II

At the completion of Level I, the Program Director will apply for the student’s 1-year Provisional (Career Switcher) License through the Virginia Department of Education. Candidates may seek out teaching positions in any Virginia public school division or at an accredited private school. Once under contract, students are eligible for Level II.

Did you complete Level I? Have you accepted a teaching contract in your endorsement area in a Virginia public or private accredited school? If so, report your job here.

Attendance for the Saturday session(s), completion of the additional coursework, and meeting with your faculty observer are required for the professional license to be requested.

Tuition will be paid in September. The total amount due will be $450.

Professional Licensure

After completion of all Career Switcher program requirements and one successful year of teaching, upon recommendation from the school division, the Career Switcher is eligible for a renewable professional 10-year license.

Ongoing support

Students will be paired with a faculty observer from EducateVA for the first year to provide additional support. In addition, public school divisions typically assign a school-based mentor.